CIVIL servants should take note of the view of certain leaders that their function is to serve.

They are at the behest of the public.

The structure, illusionary as it may seem, works on the principle that the people elect the Government, which directs the civil service to implement its policies for the people.

The people have given the Government the mandate to formulate policy for their benefit.

Simple and basic as it may seem, this tenet is forgotten or, worse, disregarded by some.

It is the responsibility of civil servants to carry out what is dictated by the Government of the day.

If this is not done, they are contravening the General Orders and face disciplinary action, as their attitude will cause chaos to the administration.

Before embarking on any foolhardy bravado, civil servants should realise that no one is indispensable and there are hundreds lining up to seek employment with the Government.

If civil servants find it nauseating to carry out government directives, they are reminded that nobody is forcing them to stay on.

In the words of Tennyson: "Theirs is not to reason why; theirs is but to do or die."

It is difficult to fathom the reason for this rather sudden anti-establishment culture that has developed.

Although not rampant, it is disturbing.

Civil servants have been well taken care of by the Government.

During economic difficulties, the Prime Minister did his utmost to see they did not feel the pinch too badly.

In times of recovery, they were the first to benefit by way of resumption of allowances and bonuses.

The least they could do is be non-partisan and neutral in national politics.

There have been reports of government servants deliberately impeding the implementation of policy.

Not only is this insubordination, it is eventually the public that suffers.

The offenders should not be under the impression that it will be the ruling Government that will be discredited.

It is not difficult to point out through the media who the culprits really are when such a misdemeanour is discovered.

This will eventually reflect very badly on the guilty civil servants, apart from the disciplinary action that they might face.

Government servants are advised to refrain from unhealthy practices.

It is their duty to carry out instructions given by the Government.

If the Opposition comes to power, then they will have to carry out the bidding of that Government.

That is how it works, and there are no two ways about it.

Dr S. VIJAYARATNAM
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